Planned message notification for iot device based on activity

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the present invention disclose a method for delivering a notification to an IoT enabled device that ensures successful user notification while avoiding duplicate notifications. The method includes one or more processors capturing a respective activity pattern of each of a plurality of internet of things (IoT) enabled devices of a user. The method further includes determining an active device of the user from the plurality of IoT enabled devices based at least in part on an activity pattern of the active device. The method further includes identifying a notification for distribution to the user, utilizing the plurality of IoT enabled devices. The method further includes intercepting delivery of the notification to non-active devices of the plurality of IoT enabled devices. The method further includes transmitting the notification to the active device of the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the of mobile devices, andmore particularly to notification systems of a plurality of Internet ofThings (IoT) enabled devices.

In recent years, developments and the growth of Internet of Things (IoT)capable devices have created a wealth of opportunities to advance thecapabilities to integrate systems. The internet of things (IoT) is theinternetworking of physical devices (also referred to as “connecteddevices” and “smart devices”), vehicles, buildings, and other items,embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and networkconnectivity that enable these objects to collect and exchange data. TheIoT allows objects to be sensed and/or controlled remotely acrossexisting network infrastructure, creating opportunities for more directintegration of the physical world into computer-based systems, andresulting in improved efficiency, accuracy, and economic benefit inaddition to reduced human intervention. Each thing is uniquelyidentifiable through its embedded computing system but is able tointeroperate within the existing Internet infrastructure.

Hooking covers a range of techniques used to alter or augment thebehavior of an operating system, of applications, or of other softwarecomponents by intercepting function calls or messages or events passedbetween software components. Typically, hooks are inserted whilesoftware is already running, but hooking is a tactic that can also beemployed prior to the application being started. Hooks may be utilizedto add new functionalities to applications, also facilitating thecommunication between the other processes and messages of the system.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present invention disclose a method, computer programproduct, and system for delivering a notification to an IoT enableddevice that ensures successful user notification while avoidingduplicate notifications. The method includes one or more processorscapturing a respective activity pattern of each of a plurality ofinternet of things (IoT) enabled devices of a user. The method furtherincludes one or more processors determining an active device of the userfrom the plurality of IoT enabled devices based at least in part on anactivity pattern of the active device. The method further includes oneor more processors identifying a notification for distribution to theuser, utilizing the plurality of IoT enabled devices. The method furtherincludes one or more processors intercepting delivery of thenotification to non-active devices of the plurality of IoT enableddevices. The method further includes one or more processors transmittingthe notification to the active device of the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a data processing environment,in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart depicting operational steps of a program fordelivering a notification to an IoT enabled device that ensuressuccessful user notification while avoiding duplicate notifications, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of components of FIG. 1, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention allow for notification delivery toone or more Internet of Things (IoT) devices to ensure user notificationand prevent notification redundancy. Embodiments of the presentinvention intercept delivery of a notification to a plurality of IoTenabled devices and provides the notification to a user based onactivity patterns of a computing device.

Some embodiments of the present invention recognize that in an internetof things (IoT) environment, notification alerts may not provide theintended value without being a distraction, burden, or over implementedfeature. For example, many users deal with a multitude of pushnotifications daily and managing incoming notifications can bechallenging at times. Additionally, if a user ignores push notificationswhile working on unrelated task, the push notifications lose valueimmediately and contrary to a purpose of the push notification.Embodiments of the present invention minimize the amount of pushnotifications to the user, yielding tremendous value to the user. As aresult, embodiments of the present invention direct the attention of theuser to notifications of vital importance.

Embodiments of the present invention advances the field of pushnotifications in an IoT environment by providing the ability toeliminate notification redundancy when notification duplicates aregenerated. In additional embodiments, the present invention can operateto reduce network resources utilized to deliver alert notifications toon one or more IoT enabled devices. Additionally, embodiments of thepresent invention processing resources utilized to perform the task ofdelivering the notification alert on one or more IoT enabled devices. Asa result, reducing the battery power utilized by the one or more IoTenabled devices by eliminating redundant notifications.

Implementation of embodiments of the invention may take a variety offorms, and exemplary implementation details are discussed subsequentlywith reference to the Figures.

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference tothe Figures. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating adistributed data processing environment, generally designated 100, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 providesonly an illustration of one implementation and does not imply anylimitations with regard to the environments in which differentembodiments may be implemented. Many modifications to the depictedenvironment may be made by those skilled in the art without departingfrom the scope of the invention as recited by the claims.

The present invention may contain various accessible data sources, suchas database 144, that may include personal data, content, or informationthe user wishes not to be processed. Personal data includes personallyidentifying information or sensitive personal information as well asuser information, such as tracking or geolocation information.Processing refers to any, automated or unautomated, operation or set ofoperations such as collection, recording, organization, structuring,storage, adaptation, alteration, retrieval, consultation, use,disclosure by transmission, dissemination, or otherwise makingavailable, combination, restriction, erasure, or destruction performedon personal data. Notification program 200 enables the authorized andsecure processing of personal data. Notification program 200 providesinformed consent, with notice of the collection of personal data,allowing the user to opt in or opt out of processing personal data.Consent can take several forms. Opt-in consent can impose on the user totake an affirmative action before personal data is processed.Alternatively, opt-out consent can impose on the user to take anaffirmative action to prevent the processing of personal data beforepersonal data is processed. Notification program 200 providesinformation regarding personal data and the nature (e.g., type, scope,purpose, duration, etc.) of the processing. Notification program 200provides the user with copies of stored personal data. Notificationprogram 200 allows the correction or completion of incorrect orincomplete personal data. Notification program 200 allows the immediatedeletion of personal data.

Distributed data processing environment 100 includes server 140 andclient device 120 ₁ through client device 120 _(N), all interconnectedover network 110. Network 110 can be, for example, a telecommunicationsnetwork, a local area network (LAN) a municipal area network (MAN), awide area network (WAN), such as the Internet, or a combination of thethree, and can include wired, wireless, or fiber optic connections.Network 110 can include one or more wired and/or wireless networkscapable of receiving and transmitting data, voice, and/or video signals,including multimedia signals that include voice, data, and videoinformation. In general, network 110 can be any combination ofconnections and protocols that will support communications betweenserver 140 and client device 120 ₁ through client device 120 _(N), andother computing devices (not shown) within distributed data processingenvironment 100.

Client device 120 ₁ through client device 120 _(N) can be one or more ofa laptop computer, a tablet computer, a smart phone, smart watch, asmart speaker, virtual assistant, or any programmable electronic devicecapable of communicating with various components and devices withindistributed data processing environment 100, via network 110. Ingeneral, client device 120 ₁ through client device 120 _(N) representsone or more programmable electronic devices or combination ofprogrammable electronic devices capable of executing machine readableprogram instructions and communicating with other computing devices (notshown) within distributed data processing environment 100 via a network,such as network 110. Client device 120 ₁ through client device 120 _(N)may include components as depicted and described in further detail withrespect to FIG. 3, in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention.

Client device 120 ₁ through client device 120 _(N) may includerespective instances of user interface 122 ₁ and application 124 ₁,which each correspond to a respective instance of a client device andperform equivalent functions in the respective instance of the clientdevice. In various embodiments of the present invention a user interfaceis a program that provides an interface between a user of a device and aplurality of applications that reside on the client device. A userinterface, such as user interface 122 ₁, refers to the information (suchas graphic, text, and sound) that a program presents to a user, and thecontrol sequences the user employs to control the program. A variety oftypes of user interfaces exist. In one embodiment, user interface 122 ₁is a graphical user interface. A graphical user interface (GUI) is atype of user interface that allows users to interact with electronicdevices, such as a computer keyboard and mouse, through graphical iconsand visual indicators, such as secondary notation, as opposed totext-based interfaces, typed command labels, or text navigation. Incomputing, GUIs were introduced in reaction to the perceived steeplearning curve of command-line interfaces which require commands to betyped on the keyboard. The actions in GUIs are often performed throughdirect manipulation of the graphical elements. In another embodiment,user interface 122 ₁ is a script or application programming interface(API).

Application 124 ₁ is a computer program designed to run on client device120 ₁. An application frequently serves to provide a user with similarservices accessed on personal computers (e.g., web browser, playingmusic, or other media, etc.). In one embodiment, application 124 ₁ ismobile application software. For example, mobile application software,or an “app,” is a computer program designed to run on smart phones,tablet computers and other mobile devices. In another embodiment,application 124 ₁ is a web user interface (WUI) and can display text,documents, web browser windows, user options, application interfaces,and instructions for operation, and include the information (such asgraphic, text, and sound) that a program presents to a user and thecontrol sequences the user employs to control the program. In anotherembodiment, application 124 ₁ is a client-side application ofnotification program 200.

In various embodiments of the present invention, server 140 may be adesktop computer, a computer server, or any other computer systems,known in the art. In general, server 140 is representative of anyelectronic device or combination of electronic devices capable ofexecuting computer readable program instructions. Server 140 may includecomponents as depicted and described in further detail with respect toFIG. 3, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Server 140 can be a standalone computing device, a management server, aweb server, a mobile computing device, or any other electronic device orcomputing system capable of receiving, sending, and processing data. Inone embodiment, server 140 can represent a server computing systemutilizing multiple computers as a server system, such as in a cloudcomputing environment. In another embodiment, server 140 can be a laptopcomputer, a tablet computer, a netbook computer, a personal computer(PC), a desktop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smartphone, or any programmable electronic device capable of communicatingwith client device 120 _(1-N) and other computing devices (not shown)within distributed data processing environment 100 via network 110. Inanother embodiment, server 140 represents a computing system utilizingclustered computers and components (e.g., database server computers,application server computers, etc.) that act as a single pool ofseamless resources when accessed within distributed data processingenvironment 100.

Server 140 includes storage device 142, database 144, and notificationprogram 200. Storage device 142 can be implemented with any type ofstorage device, for example, persistent storage 305, which is capable ofstoring data that may be accessed and utilized by client device 120_(1-N) and server 140, such as a database server, a hard disk drive, ora flash memory. In one embodiment storage device 142 can representmultiple storage devices within server 140. In various embodiments ofthe present invention, storage device 142 stores a plurality ofinformation, such as database 144. Database 144 may represent one ormore organized collections of data stored and accessed from server 140.For example, database 144 includes notification type, notificationsource, device type, and user preferences. In one embodiment, dataprocessing environment 100 can include additional servers (not shown)that host additional information that accessible via network 110.

In various embodiments of the present invention notification program 200delivers an alert, or alerts, to Internet of Things (IoT) enableddevices that ensures successful user notification while avoidingduplicate alerts that compromise value, use, and responsiveness, whichmaximizes user attentiveness and minimizes notification redundancy. Inone embodiment, notification program 200 provides one or morenotification delivery options to client device 120 _(1-N). For example,notification program 200 can provide message notification delay for aplurality of IoT enabled devices (e.g., client device 120 _(1-N)) basedon activity. In this example, notification program 200 identify an IoTenabled device of the plurality of IoT enabled devices that a user iscurrently using. Also, notification program 200 can delay or route anotification based on preferences of the user and notification typesbeing delivered (e.g., source, type, scope, etc.). Alternatively,notification program 200 can provide message notification delay based ona preferred device (e.g., device hierarchy) of the user.

In another embodiment, notification program 200 delivers a notificationto client device 120 _(1-N). For example, notification program 200identifies an IoT enabled device that a user is currently interactingwith and notification program 200 marks the IoT enabled device as anactive device as well as a primary notification device. In this example,notification program 200 identifies a plurality of IoT enabled devicesconnected to a notification hook for the IoT enabled devices and delaysdelivery of a notification for a defined time period to the plurality ofIoT enabled devices. Additionally, notification program 200 can transmita cancellation message to the plurality of IoT enabled devices, whichhalts delivery of the notification the plurality of IoT enabled devices.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart depicting operational steps of notificationprogram 200, a program that delivers a notification to an IoT enableddevice that ensures successful user notification while avoidingduplicate notifications, in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention. In one embodiment, notification program 200 initiates inresponse to a user connecting client device 120 _(1-N) to notificationprogram 200 through network 110. For example, notification program 200initiates in response to a user registering (e.g., opting in) each of aplurality of IoT enabled devices (e.g., client device 120 _(1-N)) withnotification program 200 via a WLAN (e.g., network 110). In anotherembodiment, notification program 200 is a background application thatcontinuously monitors client device 120 _(1-N). For example,notification program 200 is a client-side application (e.g., application124 _(1-N)) that initiates upon booting of each of a plurality of IoTenabled devices (e.g., client device 120 _(1-N)) a user and monitorsevents of each of the IoT enabled devices.

In step 202, notification program 200 captures an activity pattern of acomputing device of a user. In one embodiment, notification program 200identifies user interaction with client device 120 _(1-N). For example,notification program 200 monitors one or more user interfaces (e.g.,user interface 122 _(1-N)) of a plurality of IoT enabled devices (e.g.,client device 120 _(1-N)) to detect activity patterns of a user.Additionally, an activity pattern is an interaction of the user with acomputing device with IoT capabilities, which may include but is notlimited to mouse movement, keyboard interaction, touch screeninteraction, and/or audible commands, that indicates use by the user ofan IoT enabled device (e.g., client device 120 ₁, mobile device, laptop,virtual assistant, etc.) of the plurality of IoT enabled devices. Inthis example, notification program 200 detects a user interaction of theuser with a mobile device (e.g., client device 120 ₁) and compares theuser interaction with activity patterns of the mobile device todetermine that a user has interacted with the mobile device.

In step 204, notification program 200 determines whether the computingdevice is an active device of the user. In one embodiment, notificationprogram 200 identifies client device 120 ₁ as an active device of auser. For example, notification program 200 uses activity patterns of aplurality of IoT enabled devices (e.g., client device 120 _(1-N))captured in step 202 to identify a computing device with IoTcapabilities the plurality of IoT enabled devices of that a user iscurrently utilizing. In this example, notification program 200 cancompare activity patterns of the plurality of IoT enabled devices toidentify the computing device with the most recent activity pattern andmark the computing device as the active device (e.g., client device 120₁). In an alternative embodiment, notification program 200 comparesactivity patterns of the plurality of IoT enabled devices over a definedperiod of time to determine the computing device that the user utilizesthe most during the defined time period and mark the computing device asthe active device (e.g., client device 120 ₁).

In another alternative embodiment, notification program 200 can utilizelocations of the plurality of IoT enabled devices to determine aproximate distance of the computing device of the plurality of IoTenabled devices and mark the computing device that is nearest to theuser as the active device (e.g., client device 120 ₁). Additionally,notification program 200 may utilize the logic of one or more of theabove-referenced examples to mark an active device.

In an example embodiment, a user has a plurality of IoT devices (e.g.,smart watch, cell phone, virtual assistant, laptop, etc.) opted-in tonotification program 200 in an office, which receive work chatnotification alerts. In this example embodiment, the user may receive anoverload of messages causing notifications to be sent each of the IoTdevices, which can be very distracting in a workplace for the user andothers in proximity to the user. Additionally, the user opts intonotification program 200 that captures an active device of the userbased on an activity pattern of each IoT device (e.g., mouse movement ona laptop, finger interaction on a smartphone or smart watch, vocalactivity with a virtual agent, etc.).

In step 206, notification program 200 identifies a notification. Invarious embodiments of the present invention, notification program 200utilizes hooking techniques, which alter or augment the behavior of anoperating system, of applications, and/or of other software componentsby intercepting function calls or messages or events passed betweensoftware components. In one embodiment, notification program 200identifies a notification of client device 120 _(1-N). For example,notification program 200 detects that a notification is generated by aWUI of a computing device (e.g., client device 120 ₂) of a plurality ofIoT enabled devices of a user. In this example, notification program 200intercepts an alert corresponding to the notification of the computingdevice and extracts information (e.g., notification type, notificationsource, urgency, etc.) corresponding to the notification. Additionally,notification program 200 stores the extracted information in a database(e.g., database 144) associated with a profile of the user.

In an example embodiment, a laptop (e.g., client device 120 ₁) of a usercan generate a chat notification causes the laptop to display a pop up,a cell phone (e.g., client device 120 ₂) of the user to buzz and beep, asmart watch (e.g., client device 1203) of the user to vibrate, and avirtual assistant (e.g., client device 1204) of a user to transmit anaudio notification. However, notification program 200 utilizes a hook tointercept a task corresponding to the chat notification prior to theperformance of the task on the computing devices of the user.Additionally, notification program 200 allows the user to filter thechat notification alerts to optimally inform the user as an alternativeto ignoring or disabling message notifications.

In step 208, notification program 200 routes the notification to theuser. In one embodiment, notification program 200 transmits anotification to client device 120 ₁ of a user. For example, notificationprogram 200 sets an active device (e.g., client device 120 ₁, mobiledevice) as primary pathway to deliver a notification to a user from aprimary source (i.e., a device or application where a notification isgenerated). In this example, notification program 200 sets a definedtime to delay delivery of the notification to one or more non-active IoTenabled devices (e.g., client device 120 _(2-N)). In an alternativeexample, notification program 200 uses a time frame defined by a user todelay delivery of a notification to one or more non-active IoT enableddevices.

In another embodiment, notification program 200 transmits a notificationto a respective instance of client device 120 _(1-N) based onpreferences of a user. For example, notification program 200 transmits anotification to a user based on a priority level assigned to a devicetype (i.e., preference of a user). In this example, notification program200 can push a notification to a user or prevent a notification frombeing delivered to a plurality of IoT enabled devices based on a devicetype (e.g., phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, etc.) being placedin a certain group that is assigned a priority level based on thepreferences of a user. In another example, notification program 200transmits a notification to a user based on a user preference based on anotification type. In this example, notification program 200 can push anotification to a user or prevent a notification from being delivered toa type of IoT enabled device based on a notification type (e.g., source,type, urgency, etc.).

In an example embodiment, notification program 200 identifies a chatmessage notification and marks a laptop (e.g., client device 120 ₁) ofthe user as an active device. Additionally, notification program 200determines that a user is on the laptop based on activity patterns ofthe laptop and prevents additional IoT enabled devices (e.g., clientdevice 120 _(2-N)) from creating sounds or alerts for threshold time. Inalternative example embodiment, notification program 200 determines thatthe laptop of the user receives a work email message and routes an alertcorresponding to the work email message to the laptop of the user asdefined by preference of the user for notifications of that type (e.g.,email) and received by that source (e.g., work). Additionally,notification program 200 delays notifications to other additional IoTenabled device for two (2) minutes.

In decision step 210, notification program 200 determines whether anacknowledgement of the notification is received. In one embodiment,notification program 200 monitors a respective instance of userinterface 122 _(1-N) to determine whether a user acknowledges anotification. For example, notification program 200 monitors GUI (e.g.,user interface 122 ₁) of a laptop (e.g., client device 120 ₁) to detectan action of a user that indicates acknowledgement (e.g., clicking apop-up, swiping away a notification, etc.) of a notification transmittedto the laptop. Alternatively, notification program 200 can detectacknowledgement of a user by monitoring a voice user interface (e.g.,user interface 122 ₁) of a mobile device (e.g., client device 120 ₁) orvirtual agent (e.g., client device 120 ₁) for an audible acknowledgmentof the notification by a user.

In another embodiment, notification program 200 utilizes application 124₁ to transmit a message indicating acknowledgment of a notification by auser via network 110. In another example, a client-side application ofnotification program 200 can generate and transmit an acknowledgmentmessage to notification program 200 on a remote server (e.g., server140) upon a user interacting with a transmitted notification.

If notification program 200 determines that a user does not acknowledgea notification (decision step 210, “NO” branch), then notificationprogram 200 determines whether a delay threshold (e.g., a definedtimeframe, as discussed in step 212) has elapsed. In one scenario,notification program 200 monitors a graphical user interface (GUI)(e.g., user interface 122 ₁) of a laptop (e.g., client device 120 ₁) anddoes not detect an action of a user that indicates acknowledgement(e.g., clicking a pop-up, swiping away a notification, etc.) of anotification transmitted to the laptop. In this scenario, notificationprogram 200 continues to monitor the GUI of the laptop until a delaythreshold (e.g., defined timeframe) has elapsed.

If notification program 200 determines that a user acknowledges anotification (decision step 210, “YES” branch), then notificationprogram 200 performs a defined action (as discussed in step 214). In onescenario, notification program 200 monitors a graphical user interface(GUI) (e.g., user interface 122 ₁) of a laptop (e.g., client device 120₁) and detects a user clicking a pop-up of a notification transmitted tothe laptop. In this scenario, notification program 200 alters deliveryof the notification to additional non-active IoT enabled devices (e.g.,client device 120 _(2-N)), as discussed in step 214 (i.e., cancellingdelivery).

In decision step 212, notification program 200 determines whether adelay threshold of the notification has expired. In one embodiment,notification program 200 monitors a respective instance of application124 _(1-N) to determine whether a user acknowledges a notificationwithin a defined timeframe. For example, notification program 200determines that a user has not performed an action that indicatesacknowledgement and monitors a timer (e.g., application 124 ₁) of alaptop (e.g., client device 120 ₁) to determine whether allotted time ofa defined threshold (e.g., user defined, system defined, default, etc.)to acknowledge the notification remains.

If notification program 200 determines that a user does not acknowledgea notification and a defined timeframe has not expired (decision step212, “NO” branch), then notification program 200 continues to monitor aGUI (e.g., user interface 122 ₁) of a laptop (e.g., client device 120 ₁)to detect an action of a user that indicates acknowledgement of thenotification (as discussed in step 210). In one scenario, notificationprogram determines that a user has not performed an action thatindicates acknowledgement and that allotted time of a defined thresholdof a timer (e.g., application 124 ₁) of the laptop remains. In thisscenario, notification program 200 continues to monitor the GUI of thelaptop until the allotted time of the defined threshold of the timerexpires.

If notification program 200 determines that a user acknowledges anotification and a defined timeframe has not expired (decision step 212,“YES” branch), then notification program 200 performs a defined action(as discussed in step 214). In one scenario, notification program 200determines that a user has not performed an action that indicatesacknowledgement and that allotted time of a defined threshold of a timer(e.g., application 124 ₁) of the laptop has elapsed. In this scenario,notification program 200 alters delivery of the notification toadditional non-active IoT enabled devices (e.g., client device 120_(2-N)), as discussed in step 214 (i.e., delivering notification to allIoT enabled devices or according to user preferences).

In step 214, notification program 200 performs a defined action. In oneembodiment, notification program 200 performs a predetermined task. Forexample, notification program 200 can cancel (e.g., predetermined task)subsequent dependent notifications transmissions to one or more IoTenabled devices. In an alternative example, notification program 200 canpush (e.g., predetermined task) subsequent dependent notificationstransmissions to one or more IoT enabled devices.

In one scenario, if notification program 200 determines that a useracknowledges a notification and a defined timeframe has not expired(e.g., decision step 210, “YES” branch), then notification program 200cancels delayed notifications (e.g., dependent notifications) to aplurality of non-active IoT enabled devices (e.g., client device 120_(2-N)). In another scenario, if notification program 200 determinesthat a user does not acknowledge a notification and a defined timeframehas expired (e.g., decision step 212, “YES” branch), then notificationprogram 200 delivers delayed notifications (e.g., dependentnotifications) to a plurality of non-active IoT enabled devices (e.g.,client device 120 _(2-N)).

In an example embodiment, notification program 200 performs a taskcorresponding to behavior of a user. In this example embodiment,notification program 200 can transmit a cancellation message toadditional IoT enabled devices (e.g., client device 120 _(2-N)) inresponse to a user acknowledging a chat message notification on a laptop(e.g., client device 120 ₁) of the user within a threshold timeframe(e.g., two minutes). Additionally, notification program 200 can transmitthe chat message notification to the additional IoT enabled devices inresponse to a user not acknowledging the chat message notification onthe laptop of the user within the threshold timeframe.

FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of components of client device 120 _(1-N)and server 140, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of thepresent invention. It should be appreciated that FIG. 3 provides only anillustration of one implementation and does not imply any limitationswith regard to the environments in which different embodiments may beimplemented. Many modifications to the depicted environment may be made.

FIG. 3 includes processor(s) 301, cache 303, memory 302, persistentstorage 305, communications unit 307, input/output (I/O) interface(s)306, and communications fabric 304. Communications fabric 304 providescommunications between cache 303, memory 302, persistent storage 305,communications unit 307, and input/output (I/O) interface(s) 306.Communications fabric 304 can be implemented with any architecturedesigned for passing data and/or control information between processors(such as microprocessors, communications and network processors, etc.),system memory, peripheral devices, and any other hardware componentswithin a system. For example, communications fabric 304 can beimplemented with one or more buses or a crossbar switch.

Memory 302 and persistent storage 305 are computer readable storagemedia. In this embodiment, memory 302 includes random access memory(RAM). In general, memory 302 can include any suitable volatile ornon-volatile computer readable storage media. Cache 303 is a fast memorythat enhances the performance of processor(s) 301 by holding recentlyaccessed data, and data near recently accessed data, from memory 302.

Program instructions and data (e.g., software and data 310) used topractice embodiments of the present invention may be stored inpersistent storage 305 and in memory 302 for execution by one or more ofthe respective processor(s) 301 via cache 303. In an embodiment,persistent storage 305 includes a magnetic hard disk drive.Alternatively, or in addition to a magnetic hard disk drive, persistentstorage 305 can include a solid state hard drive, a semiconductorstorage device, a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmableread-only memory (EPROM), a flash memory, or any other computer readablestorage media that is capable of storing program instructions or digitalinformation.

The media used by persistent storage 305 may also be removable. Forexample, a removable hard drive may be used for persistent storage 305.Other examples include optical and magnetic disks, thumb drives, andsmart cards that are inserted into a drive for transfer onto anothercomputer readable storage medium that is also part of persistent storage305. Software and data 310 can be stored in persistent storage 305 foraccess and/or execution by one or more of the respective processor(s)301 via cache 303. With respect to client device 120120 _(1-N), softwareand data 310 includes data of user interface 122 _(1-N) and application124 _(1-N). With respect to server 140, software and data 310 includesdata of storage device 142 and notification program 200.

Communications unit 307, in these examples, provides for communicationswith other data processing systems or devices. In these examples,communications unit 307 includes one or more network interface cards.Communications unit 307 may provide communications through the use ofeither or both physical and wireless communications links. Programinstructions and data (e.g., software and data 310) used to practiceembodiments of the present invention may be downloaded to persistentstorage 305 through communications unit 307.

I/O interface(s) 306 allows for input and output of data with otherdevices that may be connected to each computer system. For example, I/Ointerface(s) 306 may provide a connection to external device(s) 308,such as a keyboard, a keypad, a touch screen, and/or some other suitableinput device. External device(s) 308 can also include portable computerreadable storage media, such as, for example, thumb drives, portableoptical or magnetic disks, and memory cards. Program instructions anddata (e.g., software and data 310) used to practice embodiments of thepresent invention can be stored on such portable computer readablestorage media and can be loaded onto persistent storage 305 via I/Ointerface(s) 306. I/O interface(s) 306 also connect to display 309.

Display 309 provides a mechanism to display data to a user and may be,for example, a computer monitor.

The programs described herein are identified based upon the applicationfor which they are implemented in a specific embodiment of theinvention. However, it should be appreciated that any particular programnomenclature herein is used merely for convenience, and thus theinvention should not be limited to use solely in any specificapplication identified and/or implied by such nomenclature.

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product at any possible technical detail level of integration.The computer program product may include a computer readable storagemedium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereonfor causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, configuration data for integrated circuitry, oreither source code or object code written in any combination of one ormore programming languages, including an object oriented programminglanguage such as Smalltalk, C++, or the like, and procedural programminglanguages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programminglanguages. The computer readable program instructions may executeentirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as astand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partlyon a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. Inthe latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user'scomputer through any type of network, including a local area network(LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to anexternal computer (for example, through the Internet using an InternetService Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including,for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gatearrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute thecomputer readable program instructions by utilizing state information ofthe computer readable program instructions to personalize the electroniccircuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of theorder noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present inventionhave been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intendedto be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles ofthe embodiment, the practical application or technical improvement overtechnologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinaryskill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: capturing, by one or moreprocessors, a respective activity pattern of each of a plurality ofinternet of things (IoT) enabled devices of a user; determining, by oneor more processors, an active device of the user from the plurality ofIoT enabled devices based at least in part on an activity pattern of theactive device; identifying, by one or more processors, a notificationfor distribution to the user, utilizing the plurality of IoT enableddevices; intercepting, by one or more processors, delivery of thenotification to non-active devices of the plurality of IoT enableddevices; and transmitting, by one or more processors, the notificationto the active device of the user.
 2. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: determining, by one or more processors, that the useracknowledges the notification; and cancelling, by one or moreprocessors, delivery of the notification the non-active devices of theplurality of IoT enabled devices.
 3. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: determining, by one or more processors, that thenotification is not acknowledged by the user; and transmitting, by oneor more processors, the notification to the non-active devices of theplurality of IoT enabled devices.
 4. The method of claim 1, whereindetermining the active device of the user from the plurality of IoTenabled devices based at least in part on the activity pattern of theactive device, further comprises: detecting, by one or more processors,a user interaction with a first IoT enabled device of the plurality ofIoT enabled devices, wherein the user interaction is with a userinterface of the first IoT enabled device; comparing, by one or moreprocessors, an activity pattern of the first IoT enabled device withrespective activity patterns of the plurality of IoT enabled devices;determining, by one or more processors, the user is currently utilizingthe first IoT enabled device based at least in part on comparingrespective activity patterns; and marking, by one or more processors,the first IoT enabled device as a primary pathway for delivery of anotification.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein identifying thenotification for distribution to the user, utilizing of the plurality ofIoT enabled devices, further comprises: detecting, by one or moreprocessors, that the notification is generated; extracting, by one ormore processors, a source of the notification; and extracting, by one ormore processors, a type of the notification.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein intercepting delivery of the notification to non-active devicesof the plurality of IoT enabled devices, further comprises: hooking, byone or more processors, an event of the plurality of IoT enableddevices, wherein the event corresponds to the notification; anddelaying, by one or more processors, delivery of an alert correspondingto the event to the non-active devices of the plurality of IoT enableddevices for a defined timeframe.
 7. The method of claim 1, whereintransmitting the notification to the active device of the user, furthercomprises: identifying, by one or more processors, a user-assigned rankof one or more IoT enabled devices; comparing, by one or moreprocessors, the user assigned rank of the one or more IoT enableddevices; and delivering, by one or more processors, the notification tothe one or more IoT enabled devices with the highest rank.
 8. A computerprogram product comprising: one or more computer readable storage mediaand program instructions stored on the one or more computer readablestorage media, the program instructions comprising: program instructionsto capture a respective activity pattern of each of a plurality ofinternet of things (IoT) enabled devices of a user; program instructionsto determine an active device of the user from the plurality of IoTenabled devices based at least in part on an activity pattern of theactive device; program instructions to identify a notification fordistribution to the user, utilizing the plurality of IoT enableddevices; program instructions to intercept delivery of the notificationto non-active devices of the plurality of IoT enabled devices; andprogram instructions to transmit the notification to the active deviceof the user.
 9. The computer program product of claim 8, furthercomprising program instructions, stored on the one or more computerreadable storage media, to: determine that the user acknowledges thenotification; and cancel delivery of the notification the non-activedevices of the plurality of IoT enabled devices.
 10. The computerprogram product of claim 8, further comprising program instructions,stored on the one or more computer readable storage media, to: determinethat the notification is not acknowledged by the user; and transmit thenotification to the non-active devices of the plurality of IoT enableddevices.
 11. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein programinstructions to determine the active device of the user from theplurality of IoT enabled devices based at least in part on the activitypattern of the active device, further comprise program instructions to:detect a user interaction with a first IoT enabled device of theplurality of IoT enabled devices, wherein the user interaction is with auser interface of the first IoT enabled device; compare an activitypattern of the first IoT enabled device with respective activitypatterns of the plurality of IoT enabled devices; determine the user iscurrently utilizing the first IoT enabled device based at least in parton comparing respective activity patterns; and mark the first IoTenabled device as a primary pathway for delivery of a notification. 12.The computer program product of claim 8, wherein program instructions toidentify the notification for distribution to the user, utilizing of theplurality of IoT enabled devices, further comprise program instructionsto: detect that the notification is generated; extract a source of thenotification; and extract a type of the notification.
 13. The computerprogram product of claim 8, wherein program instructions to interceptdelivery of the notification to non-active devices of the plurality ofIoT enabled devices, further comprise program instructions to: hook anevent of the plurality of IoT enabled devices, wherein the eventcorresponds to the notification; and delay delivery of an alertcorresponding to the event to the non-active devices of the plurality ofIoT enabled devices for a defined timeframe.
 14. The computer programproduct of claim 8, wherein program instructions to transmit thenotification to the active device of the user, further comprise programinstructions to: identify a user-assigned rank of one or more IoTenabled devices; compare the user assigned rank of the one or more IoTenabled devices; and deliver notification to the one or more IoT enableddevices with the highest rank.
 15. A computer system comprising: one ormore computer processors; one or more computer readable storage media;and program instructions stored on the computer readable storage mediafor execution by at least one of the one or more processors, the programinstructions comprising: program instructions to capture a respectiveactivity pattern of each of a plurality of internet of things (IoT)enabled devices of a user; program instructions to determine an activedevice of the user from the plurality of IoT enabled devices based atleast in part on an activity pattern of the active device; programinstructions to identify a notification for distribution to the user,utilizing the plurality of IoT enabled devices; program instructions tointercept delivery of the notification to non-active devices of theplurality of IoT enabled devices; and program instructions to transmitthe notification to the active device of the user.
 16. The computersystem of claim 15, further comprising program instructions, stored onthe one or more computer readable storage media for execution by atleast one of the one or more processors, to: determine that the useracknowledges the notification; and cancel delivery of the notificationthe non-active devices of the plurality of IoT enabled devices.
 17. Thecomputer system of claim 15, further comprising program instructions,stored on the one or more computer readable storage media for executionby at least one of the one or more processors, to: determine that thenotification is not acknowledged by the user; and transmit thenotification to the non-active devices of the plurality of IoT enableddevices.
 18. The computer system of claim 15, wherein programinstructions to determine the active device of the user from theplurality of IoT enabled devices based at least in part on the activitypattern of the active device, further comprise program instructions to:detect a user interaction with a first IoT enabled device of theplurality of IoT enabled devices, wherein the user interaction is with auser interface of the first IoT enabled device; compare an activitypattern of the first IoT enabled device with respective activitypatterns of the plurality of IoT enabled devices; determine the user iscurrently utilizing the first IoT enabled device based at least in parton comparing respective activity patterns; and mark the first IoTenabled device as a primary pathway for delivery of a notification. 19.The computer system of claim 15, wherein program instructions toidentify the notification for distribution to the user, utilizing of theplurality of IoT enabled devices, further comprise program instructionsto: detect that the notification is generated; extract a source of thenotification; and extract a type of the notification.
 20. The computersystem of claim 15, wherein program instructions to intercept deliveryof the notification to non-active devices of the plurality of IoTenabled devices, further comprise program instructions to: hook an eventof the plurality of IoT enabled devices, wherein the event correspondsto the notification; and delay delivery of an alert corresponding to theevent to the non-active devices of the plurality of IoT enabled devicesfor a defined timeframe.